I resisted getting rare breed for a long time because it was 55 to $60 where I lived. When I finally saw it at 50 I got a bottle and of course it's great. I recently found one store selling it for $43 so I'm going to stock up before they change their mind😊
Fully agreed on all of these, and I feel like they become the benchmarks across time as well. After buying whiskey for years and years, you start to cherish these consistent releases more than the one off special releases I think.
KC Single is the freaking GOAT. I’ve been saying this forever. Everyone says Rare Breed, but this one is the winner for me. Lots of people will mention the Knob, but it’s not often RAVED about. I rave about it. Beam has so many different incredible offerings, but Knob Single Reserve makes almost everything in their lineup seem like a comparatively poor value. I can’t justify buying any other bourbon when I put it up against Knob Single (even though I do buy lots of other bourbons.)
@@AlexSilva-kb5ib I don’t experience that even slightly, and I’ve been having this one for about 15 or so years. But to each their own. That’s why there are lots of products out there.
@@AlexSilva-kb5ib if you just mean that it’s a higher proof than you prefer, I understand. But generally when someone says something drinks HOT, they mean there is an element of ethanol over and above the flavors on the palate that stifles the flavors. I have NEVER had that on a Knob Single Reserve. Maybe it occurs on Store Picks, but I’ve never had a Knob store pick. This is the very reason they proof them down to 120, so they don’t drink hot.
I’m a Rare Breed guy-like the flavor profile of all the wild turkey/Russel’s Reserve bourbons. I’ll have to try the Knob Creek mentioned. I’ve only had Knob a couple times(honestly don’t remember which versions), they weren’t bad, but didn’t hit me like Rare Breed the first time…thanks for the strong opinion, if someone has backs a bottle here I’m usually going to give it a go👍
ECBP C923 is in my top five pours of the year and I completely regret not purchasing two when I had the opportunity. I'm still looking for that elusive second bottle.
Happy Holidays. So I guess I'll toss up my list. In no particular order: Balvenie Week of Peat Glen Scotia Victoriana Clynelish 14 (at Costco for Costco prices) Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Knob Creek 120 Frey Ranch Bourbon Ardbeg Uigeadail Port Charlotte Benromach 10yr Cask Strength Ardnamurchan Cask Strength Amurt Fursion Single Malt
I think regular Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is a great value that often gets overlooked. $35-40 for a 110ish proof wheater from a major distillery. Good stuff especially if you like that sweet profile.
Cannot disagree with any of your choices. An honorable mention could be Larceny BP, since their last 4 releases have been good and B523 was fantastic. 🥃
Best budget bourbon to me is Early Times BIB. I’m big fan of bottled in bond bourbon because I know at least they have few standard like 100 proof, 4years old, new barrel, ….
Neither JTS Brown nor Early Times seem to be available hereabouts, but Old Forester 100 and WT 101 and Rare Breed are. Each of those demonstrate that one needn’t spend a fortune to get great tasting bourbon - and I thank you both for consistently pointing me in the right direction both in terms of flavor and value.
I use Ancient Age for mixing and Rare Breed is a staple in my cabinet along with Russels Single Barrel. While I was visiting my Sister in Cleveland, TN in October I picked up a bottle of Chattanooga 111 and it is almost gone! I love it.
Due to your recommendation, I tried WT 101 and absolutely love it. I am about as green as they come in term of burgeon but can confidently buy based on both of your recommendations. My next purchase will be Rare Breed when I am restocking a bottle of 101.
Early Times BiB is somewhat hard to find in my area, alternatives for me would be Blue Note(if available, that one is also spotty), 1792 Small Batch(strawberry cheesecake goodness), or as you suggested Old Forester 100, with the last two generally being available everywhere I've looked.
Agree on your list, especially your comment regarding KC pick over Bookers. Way better flavor, balance and value. The C923 is one of my best bottles and I have over 150. For interesting value whiskeys I love New Riff bourbons and for a unique and delicious flavor profile, Still Austin is a must try. I prefer the higher proofs on both but lower proof bottles of both of these are also excellent. Jack Daniels barrel proof is also a fantastic value.
1000% Agree with everything on your list! I would add Redwood Empire Lost Monarch to my list - under $40, 90 proof, easily found and a bourye with all the flavors I love from both types of whiskey. That bottle, plus Early Times BiB, are the ones I give as gifts.
Love WT products, and Rare Breed is a favorite of mine, but would add a 7th entry to your value list, it's Wheel Horse bourbon from Green River. I actually think it is better that the WT 101, but that's just my opinion. At under $30, it's a fantastic value. Cheers!
Great video. Some of us have to make tough choices when it comes to buying whiskey so this kind of insight helps. My picks for high value are: Evan Williams 1783 - packing huge flavor into a 90 proof product - what is it about this one that is so crushable?! Wild Turkey 101 Rye, especially in the 1 liter if you can get it, and friends, hear me out now.. when's the last time you tried Rittenhouse Rye neat? It's delicious 100 proof Heaven Hill Rye at an amazing low price point.. OK try it again now.. it's great!
Great vid! I've had a lot of these, and I will definitely try some of the others. I recommended Wild Turkey 101 to someone, and she literally laughed in my face and walked away. Doesn't know what she's missing! Snob. I'd love to try that Elijah Craig C923. Now I know to keep an eye out for it.
I'm glad you brought up Knob Creek Single Barrel Select - when you said you'd rather have Rare Breed for around $55 more than any other bourbon, and in my area the KC SBS is around $55... I became very unsettled for a minute or so :) Cheers!
We usually stick to a moderate proof for warming up our palates. 100 proof often times. If we’re drinking lower proof things then we tend to stick to 90 proof for a warm up pour.
Fantastic list. My favorite value bourbons are Early Times BiB (I still have one black cap), Coopers Craft 100, Bardstown Origin Series (white label), Knob Creek 12, and Russell's Reserve Private Barrel. Although not bourbons, I like to have Michter's Sour Mash and Redwood Empire Lost Monarch readily available.
I started making old fashioned with your recipe and folks love it! I am finding y’all’s taste are lining up with everything I like. Thinking about joining patreon.
I agree with everything said here! Knob Creek SBS do not get enough love (and honestly I’m happy about that). I thought I was the only one who thought they’re above bookers. It’s a risky thing to say on a UA-cam video, and I appreciate your honesty and completely agree with it.
Completely agree about the KC single barrel picks, but I do have a Bakers 7 that is 8 years, 10 mos that is AMAZING. I will be very sad when it is gone. I would say that, if you can find an older one like this, buy it.
I absolutely love WT RB & WT 101. I like the EW bib, but more as a mixer than a sipper. Just tried and like OGD 114 and Very Old Bartons. I'm getting an Early Times bib soon. I'm a big Larceny, Knob Creek and Elijah Craig fan. I also think the Redwood Empire Pipe Dream is a great value as well. ❤🥃🥃
I agree with all your picks. Can’t get JTS Brown in my markets. I will use Buffalo Trace 1:56 instead, which is really available in my market. I would add Knob Creek 12 and Bakers 7 to the list.
Personally I am more of a rye person and these are some of my budget go-to's for sipping as well as making cocktails. Old Overholt 114 pr - great value which is available for
Old gradad 114 is good. It was my first “higher proof” bourbon and I loved it so much that I would buy it for friends and my remodeling customers. But it is PEANUT NUTTY. Rare breed is a much better bourbon.
Haven't had rare breed yet but I can get it at the package store on base for 22$ right now, seen you guys mention it alot so I'll pick one up next trip!
We’re Old Fo fans as well but do like 1910 to 1920, and while we do love 1910, it doesn’t feel like a value buy at $55-60 in our market. Definitely not overpriced though. It’s a great bottle!
@@stuffandwhiskey agree on the 1910. If you buy the 10 and 20, blend and divide by 2, or about $60/bottle at 104p… any better? I’d say yes, but it’s close.
There is a reason the ones that start with Old are still selling, along with the Four Roses that started in 1888. I think it is from genetics, and how some make you feel the next few hours and the next morning, along with taste. The Old Grand-Dad 100 proof does it for me, more for after effects than for taste. Many restaurants here in Kentucky sell Old Fashioned mixed drinks, because it is common to want it not full strength for taste. I started with adding egg nog or boiled custard for Christmas, to the regular Makers Mark.
Though I have not had the JTS, I agree 100% with everything else you say here. As for the Rare Breed, it’s hard to think of a bottle under $75 that I would rather have. As for the KC single barrel, I agree they beat the Bookers that I have tried (I have actually had a couple JB single barrel bottles that I thought were better than the Bookers I have tried).
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye or Tennessee Whiskey are phenomenal for the price, and can't be beat at or below that price to me. Happy Holidays! 🥃🍻
All three great choices to have on your radar. Each uniquely different from the legacy distilleries we’re all used to, and each doing craft whiskey in their own way. We find that Frey Ranch highlights the grain so it can be polarizing. For them, we stick to picks from trusted palates. Redwood Empire and 13th Colony are more approachable and our favorite products from both are their barrel picks.
Always enjoy your videos though I haven’t commented much lately. I agree with all your selections. JTS Brown is stupid good for the price. Rare Breed is great and cheaper here, $47 at the store I frequent the most and they give me a 10% law enforcement discount on everything. Drinking KC store pick as I am watching and ECBP is my most frequent choice to drink. Josh and I seem to have identical palates, so I always trust anything he likes. Cheers, belated Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
I have not tried JTS Brown, but I do see it available. Early Times - not readily available where I am but I did get two during 2023. WT101 - check. Rare Breed, heck yeah. Nothing to add to what you guys said about it (Erin's library description made me think of Professor Digory). Completely agree about OGD 114 - that's good mixer bourbon, Rare Breed is meant to be neat. KC9 SB is available everywhere I go at $60 - $70. This stuff is top-notch...a 9 year single barrel at 120 proof at that price - how do you go wrong? Great video (especially because I have all but one!). As far as high value goes, WTRB and KC9SB are tops. The proof point, the age, the price, the availability, the aromas, the flavors. It's all there with those two. BTW - Magic 8-Ball says you guys are going over 50K subscribers in 2024.
i have never seen your first 2 choices so no comment there. I have a bottle of the ECBP unopened but I like their small batch so my guess is that I will enjoy it. I tend to like Old Forester products better than WT so I would go with their 100 proof over the WT101. It is actually a little less and I find to be better. I would also gladly pay the extra $8 and get OF1910 over the Rare Breed. I might have to revisit the WT products though because a lot of people love them but I found them to be just OK as far as value.
The hype around ECBP C923 has been insane. I usually have an opportunity to buy each release and can find each of them the last few years, but this one has been particularly elusive. Still see a lot of EC B523 and Larceny C923 out there. Was in a few stores recently that had stacks of each, but the Elijah C923 is absolutely nowhere to be found. I ask at every store I go in….bums me out if ppl are just buying multiples to try & resell.
Nice list. I've had all of them except the 1st one. In the last 2 or 3 years, Larceny BP has been every bit as amazing as ECBP to my palate. I would put KC9 on my list. I cant get a 750ml at Costco for $20 most days. Eagle Rare is a great buy at $34. I understand it a difficult find in some markets. Rare Breed is my comparison whiskey - if I am spending more than $50, my question to myself is Does it stand up to Rare Breed. Observation: they usually do not.
John J. Bowman is one of the only bottles that comes to mind that could topple Rare Breed for value. We were lucky living near northern VA and could regulary find John J. for $50.
5:43 You're right - budgets differ. I can only rarely afford something as expensive as Rare Breed, but the 101 is within easy reach, and it's very good. 🙂 6:57 I've only had one bottle of OGD 114, and it was very good. For a year or so it wasn't available here, but now it's back on the shelf. I didn't run into any of the problems y'all had with your last couple of bottles, so maybe it'd be worth y'all trying it again. And of course the OGD bonded is good too, and affordable. 7:35 I've had one of those so far - a store pick that's fantastic. I'd've grabbed another bottle today, but at $56 it's about $26 more than I could spend. Maybe soon... 🥃
I agree with you, Robert, that OGD Bonded is a great value. There are a couple other value bourbons in that price range that come to mind, too. They're not real common but can sometimes be found in larger liquor stores: J.W. Dant (at 100 proof, also bonded, and ~$15) and Fighting Cock (at 103 proof and ~$20). At those prices, if you can find them, they're worth a try. If you might like to try a value rye I would recommend Wild Turkey 101 Rye (at $25/750, $29/L which = $22/750). (Here, too, you might have to look a bit to find it.)
@@BeThr_Best_Served_Neat_On_Ice I nearly picked up a 101 rye the other day, but since my purpose was to get something I know I like, I grabbed myself by the hair and dragged myself away. It's definitely on my wish list, though. 🙂
If you're new to bourbon, this video is all you need to know. Save this video and revisit it quarterly. Your wallet will thank you. Oh, maybe add Pursuit United for good measure.
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel are great also. Those C923 are hard to find. I was lucky to find one but have not seen any more since. I'm down to 2 maybe 3 more pours, 1 more sitting if I'm sharing. 😢😢
Good ear! It’s always back there but we keep the level pretty low so as not to interfere. We’ve been dialing everything in though including the levels on the background music.
My high value bourbons: Bardstown Origin BIB: amazing balanced Wheater that instantly cured my FOMO for Weller 107. Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof TW: People underrate this $60 bottle but it’s always available where I live and I really think it can match up with many allocated barrel proof products. Rare Breed is also 🔥
I got a JD single barrel and was not impressed. Super incredible sweet at first sip then exploded into burning heat. With water it turned into a good JD, but nothing extraordinary. Do I need to try another bottle?
@@ericmalmstrom9943 it does have heat as most are between 125-130 proof and the single barrels can vary so it’s ultimately up to your preference. Their are enough people that are high on that bottle in the community to warrant it another opportunity especially after the bottle gets a little time to breathe I found that helped tremendously even after I poured a glass. The store picks are also excellent.
Being that I am just getting into bourbon whiskey, or all spirits for that matter, from the craft beer segment (I used to do craft beer tastings on YT), Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a really good based on the price point. I am also a Knob Creek fan but the 120 proof Single Barrel is a bit too alcohol forward for me but, it might be only because I am a beginner. I really dig the Knob Creek Small Batch. The rest I either haven't seen or just can't get in central lower Michigan. I will try the Evan Williams Bottled in Bonded & Wild Turney 101 that you mentioned. Those are two that I can get but have not tried.
It’s worth noting that the Knob Creek Single Barrels will vary a fair bit from barrel to barrel with some being more alcohol-forward than others for sure.
Do you have a listing of some of your favorite ECBP’s from the past few years? Never had one and have been looking for C923 after the rave reviews. I’ve seen 4 previous batches on random shelves in the past couple months and haven’t picked any up in hopes I stumble across C923 but my hope for that is starting to dwindle
I suspect the C923 is as Josh implied in this video ... either the middle man suppliers are distributing them to make the most money from them or they are being sold off to secondary resellers (which is illegal but who's gonna police it?). My advice is if you can still find an A123, buy that ... its actually excellent and a fine representation of what ECBP is all about.
Top tier batches for our palates over the last few years are C923, C920, and B520. All dark, rich, spiced, and sweet. A123, C922, and B522 are all very good batches as well (A123 is a great balance of dark fruit sweetness and funk, C922 is char heavy, and B522 is a big easygoing for an ECBP but a great pour for a sweet tooth that loves classic bourbon sweetness). Unmentioned batches are still good but nothing to write home about in our book.
Great video, here is what I think coming from the Chicago area market. I haven't tried JTS Brown yet, I see it sometimes on the shelf, but not always, but I like the Evan Williams Bottle in Bond and would be curious how you think those two compare being the same parent distillery. Are they they same? Is one better? I'm honestly not a huge fan of the Early Times Bottled in Bond that we have, and would rather drink the 1792 Barton's Small Batch which is sitting at our Woodman's in multiple cases for $22.99 a bottle, and has been "on sale" at that price since Summer. Another value bourbon, which seems to be much more available now is Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7 year. No longer allocated, and is sitting on the shelves here at Costco and Binny's for $42.99. Of course, good old Buffalo Trace is always a winner for value, but it still sells out in a few days following drops, and the BEST value bourbon in my opinion is still Eagle Rare at $40, but it sells out the day the get it everywhere here in the Chicago area. It's not that hard to get at retail price if you are in the know. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Cheers!!!
Great comment and question! We find Evan Williams BiB to be a bit more dry and nutty compared to the more caramel sweet profile of JTS Brown, but really it’s a preference thing.
The first two products on your list aren’t available in my state, then you show my least favorite ~100 proof bourbon and my least favorite barrel proof bourbon. At least it finished strong with two of my favorites. Love Knob Creek 120 and Elijah Craig BP!!
I resisted getting rare breed for a long time because it was 55 to $60 where I lived. When I finally saw it at 50 I got a bottle and of course it's great. I recently found one store selling it for $43 so I'm going to stock up before they change their mind😊
Finally got into Rare Breed recently and definitely now one of my tried and true go-to bottles.
Got one for Christmas’s yesterday and it’s magnificent!
Fully agreed on all of these, and I feel like they become the benchmarks across time as well. After buying whiskey for years and years, you start to cherish these consistent releases more than the one off special releases I think.
KC Single is the freaking GOAT. I’ve been saying this forever. Everyone says Rare Breed, but this one is the winner for me. Lots of people will mention the Knob, but it’s not often RAVED about. I rave about it. Beam has so many different incredible offerings, but Knob Single Reserve makes almost everything in their lineup seem like a comparatively poor value. I can’t justify buying any other bourbon when I put it up against Knob Single (even though I do buy lots of other bourbons.)
It’s very good but drinks a bit hot, I’d take rare breed over it
@@AlexSilva-kb5ib I don’t experience that even slightly, and I’ve been having this one for about 15 or so years. But to each their own. That’s why there are lots of products out there.
@@AlexSilva-kb5ib if you just mean that it’s a higher proof than you prefer, I understand. But generally when someone says something drinks HOT, they mean there is an element of ethanol over and above the flavors on the palate that stifles the flavors. I have NEVER had that on a Knob Single Reserve. Maybe it occurs on Store Picks, but I’ve never had a Knob store pick. This is the very reason they proof them down to 120, so they don’t drink hot.
I’m a Rare Breed guy-like the flavor profile of all the wild turkey/Russel’s Reserve bourbons. I’ll have to try the Knob Creek mentioned. I’ve only had Knob a couple times(honestly don’t remember which versions), they weren’t bad, but didn’t hit me like Rare Breed the first time…thanks for the strong opinion, if someone has backs a bottle here I’m usually going to give it a go👍
I miss the days (NOT all that long ago) of store picks of these aged around 14-15 years in the range of $35-$45!!!
Good list. Agree the KC SB is very good. Another option is 4 Roses SB < $50 great value for money 💴 Cheers
Wild Turkey 101 was what I just brought to a gift exchange with a $25 limit. It went over very well. There was definitely a battle over that gift.
ECBP C923 is in my top five pours of the year and I completely regret not purchasing two when I had the opportunity. I'm still looking for that elusive second bottle.
Happy Holidays. So I guess I'll toss up my list. In no particular order:
Balvenie Week of Peat
Glen Scotia Victoriana
Clynelish 14 (at Costco for Costco prices)
Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
Knob Creek 120
Frey Ranch Bourbon
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Port Charlotte
Benromach 10yr Cask Strength
Ardnamurchan Cask Strength
Amurt Fursion Single Malt
Old Grand Dad 114 or OGD bottled in Bond for me, and my favorite ryes are Pikesville and George Dickel Rye.
Pikesville and Old Forester Rye are big time budget champs for sure, and Hard Truth High Road Rye is a new favorite budget favorite rye as well.
OGD bonded is better than 114. Fight me!
114 for me@@WhiskeyMyersour
I think regular Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is a great value that often gets overlooked. $35-40 for a 110ish proof wheater from a major distillery. Good stuff especially if you like that sweet profile.
Great point! We’ve gone through a bit of a MMCS dry spell locally but great call!
Yep!
Bought my last one for $38 and it's excellent. I don't think you can find a better bottle around that $40 range.
Cannot disagree with any of your choices. An honorable mention could be Larceny BP, since their last 4 releases have been good and B523 was fantastic. 🥃
Great call! We never see Larceny Barrel Proof in our market but have tried some great batches recently.
Couldn't agree more about B523. It's fantastic.
Fred Minnick has the C923 as number two in his top 100 list for 2023
Best budget bourbon to me is Early Times BIB. I’m big fan of bottled in bond bourbon because I know at least they have few standard like 100 proof, 4years old, new barrel, ….
JW Dant is a decent substitute when JTS Brown isn’t available, same distillery 😊
Neither JTS Brown nor Early Times seem to be available hereabouts, but Old Forester 100 and WT 101 and Rare Breed are. Each of those demonstrate that one needn’t spend a fortune to get great tasting bourbon - and I thank you both for consistently pointing me in the right direction both in terms of flavor and value.
I use Ancient Age for mixing and Rare Breed is a staple in my cabinet along with Russels Single Barrel. While I was visiting my Sister in Cleveland, TN in October I picked up a bottle of Chattanooga 111 and it is almost gone! I love it.
I definitely agree with the Early Times BIB and the Wild Turkey. I would add Old Tub, and OGD 100
I agree with every one of these, except I've never seen JTS Brown in Nebraska. All bangers.
Due to your recommendation, I tried WT 101 and absolutely love it. I am about as green as they come in term of burgeon but can confidently buy based on both of your recommendations. My next purchase will be Rare Breed when I am restocking a bottle of 101.
I love WT 101 too, and I guarantee you’ll be delighted with Rare Breed - and once you’ve tasted it it’ll be on your “always” list.
So glad to hear it! Rare Breed will bring a little more heat but a ton more flavor and a bit more age as well.
Excellent picks!!! All I'd add are Old Forester 1910 & 1920, and Larceny Barrel Proof. That's really it.
Early Times BiB is somewhat hard to find in my area, alternatives for me would be Blue Note(if available, that one is also spotty), 1792 Small Batch(strawberry cheesecake goodness), or as you suggested Old Forester 100, with the last two generally being available everywhere I've looked.
Agree on your list, especially your comment regarding KC pick over Bookers. Way better flavor, balance and value. The C923 is one of my best bottles and I have over 150. For interesting value whiskeys I love New Riff bourbons and for a unique and delicious flavor profile, Still Austin is a must try. I prefer the higher proofs on both but lower proof bottles of both of these are also excellent. Jack Daniels barrel proof is also a fantastic value.
1000% Agree with everything on your list!
I would add Redwood Empire Lost Monarch to my list - under $40, 90 proof, easily found and a bourye with all the flavors I love from both types of whiskey. That bottle, plus Early Times BiB, are the ones I give as gifts.
OGD 114 and Benchmark Full Proof, both $23 in my market, are my go to cocktail whiskeys.
Doc Swinson’s Blender’s Cut is a damn good pour at reasonable price.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof is also a great higher end value…
Yup it and the SBBP rye are phenomenal
Still Austin cask strength single barrel is awesome for not much money compared to other alternatives.
Great call! Wish we saw that more locally.
Love WT products, and Rare Breed is a favorite of mine, but would add a 7th entry to your value list, it's Wheel Horse bourbon from Green River. I actually think it is better that the WT 101, but that's just my opinion. At under $30, it's a fantastic value. Cheers!
WT smokes OGD in side by sides for me. Love both, on their own. Great video you two.
Great video. Some of us have to make tough choices when it comes to buying whiskey so this kind of insight helps. My picks for high value are: Evan Williams 1783 - packing huge flavor into a 90 proof product - what is it about this one that is so crushable?! Wild Turkey 101 Rye, especially in the 1 liter if you can get it, and friends, hear me out now.. when's the last time you tried Rittenhouse Rye neat? It's delicious 100 proof Heaven Hill Rye at an amazing low price point.. OK try it again now.. it's great!
Great vid! I've had a lot of these, and I will definitely try some of the others.
I recommended Wild Turkey 101 to someone, and she literally laughed in my face and walked away. Doesn't know what she's missing! Snob.
I'd love to try that Elijah Craig C923. Now I know to keep an eye out for it.
She definitely doesn’t know what she’s missing. More for us, right!?
Great list. For me the Knob Creek Single Barrel Select is the best value bourbon of all. At $50, this beats so many way-higher-priced bottles. Cheers!
I'd like to see a h2h of Rare Bread vs Remus Highest Rye
I'm glad you brought up Knob Creek Single Barrel Select - when you said you'd rather have Rare Breed for around $55 more than any other bourbon, and in my area the KC SBS is around $55... I became very unsettled for a minute or so :) Cheers!
Great list! Hope y'all had an awesome Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Does warming up your palettes with a higher proof whiskey help to bring out flavor notes? Great video by the way!
We usually stick to a moderate proof for warming up our palates. 100 proof often times. If we’re drinking lower proof things then we tend to stick to 90 proof for a warm up pour.
Thank You for your response!
Fantastic list. My favorite value bourbons are Early Times BiB (I still have one black cap), Coopers Craft 100, Bardstown Origin Series (white label), Knob Creek 12, and Russell's Reserve Private Barrel. Although not bourbons, I like to have Michter's Sour Mash and Redwood Empire Lost Monarch readily available.
I started making old fashioned with your recipe and folks love it! I am finding y’all’s taste are lining up with everything I like. Thinking about joining patreon.
So glad the recipe is a hit!
I agree with everything said here! Knob Creek SBS do not get enough love (and honestly I’m happy about that). I thought I was the only one who thought they’re above bookers. It’s a risky thing to say on a UA-cam video, and I appreciate your honesty and completely agree with it.
Old forrester 1920. For 60, it is really a good whiskey , but I agree, ecbp and kc single are go to pours
Completely agree about the KC single barrel picks, but I do have a Bakers 7 that is 8 years, 10 mos that is AMAZING. I will be very sad when it is gone. I would say that, if you can find an older one like this, buy it.
I bought rarebreed for christmas and love it neat!
I absolutely love WT RB & WT 101. I like the EW bib, but more as a mixer than a sipper. Just tried and like OGD 114 and Very Old Bartons. I'm getting an Early Times bib soon. I'm a big Larceny, Knob Creek and Elijah Craig fan. I also think the Redwood Empire Pipe Dream is a great value as well. ❤🥃🥃
I've definitely been watching you guys too much. This video mirrors my liquor cabinet to the bottle. Hmm? Happy New Year
😂😂 cheers and Happy New Year!
ECBP is always a bottle I buy. Can't beat the age and quality for the price.
All great selections. No idea why, sadly JTS Brown isn’t available in GA, but it’s on my list. WT 101 is underrated with a cigar as well IMO.
I agree with all your picks. Can’t get JTS Brown in my markets. I will use Buffalo Trace 1:56 instead, which is really available in my market. I would add Knob Creek 12 and Bakers 7 to the list.
Coopers craft 100 & ETimes are my 2 favs under $30, WT & KC under $50, great list
Personally I am more of a rye person and these are some of my budget go-to's for sipping as well as making cocktails.
Old Overholt 114 pr - great value which is available for
Good list. I would have Old Forester 1920 right there in that rare breed/knob Creek line up
Old gradad 114 is good. It was my first “higher proof” bourbon and I loved it so much that I would buy it for friends and my remodeling customers. But it is PEANUT NUTTY.
Rare breed is a much better bourbon.
Great list! Would love to the kc picks get to a min of 10 years, I still have a few 14/15 year ones and they are incredible.
I keep looking but I haven't seen a KC 120 pick that has hit age 10 in few years. Every one I see is at 9 1/2 years.
Just got introduced to Rare Breed a month ago. One of my favorites now!!
Haven't had rare breed yet but I can get it at the package store on base for 22$ right now, seen you guys mention it alot so I'll pick one up next trip!
I have a special place for OF 1910 and 1920. It’s even better when mixed together to make 1915! Cheers all!
We’re Old Fo fans as well but do like 1910 to 1920, and while we do love 1910, it doesn’t feel like a value buy at $55-60 in our market. Definitely not overpriced though. It’s a great bottle!
@@stuffandwhiskey agree on the 1910. If you buy the 10 and 20, blend and divide by 2, or about $60/bottle at 104p… any better? I’d say yes, but it’s close.
I just tried blending Knob Creek SBS with Knob Creek 12 it was wonderful, kind of the way you described Rare Breed.
There is a reason the ones that start with Old are still selling, along with the Four Roses that started in 1888. I think it is from genetics, and how some make you feel the next few hours and the next morning, along with taste. The Old Grand-Dad 100 proof does it for me, more for after effects than for taste. Many restaurants here in Kentucky sell Old Fashioned mixed drinks, because it is common to want it not full strength for taste. I started with adding egg nog or boiled custard for Christmas, to the regular Makers Mark.
Though I have not had the JTS, I agree 100% with everything else you say here. As for the Rare Breed, it’s hard to think of a bottle under $75 that I would rather have. As for the KC single barrel, I agree they beat the Bookers that I have tried (I have actually had a couple JB single barrel bottles that I thought were better than the Bookers I have tried).
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye or Tennessee Whiskey are phenomenal for the price, and can't be beat at or below that price to me. Happy Holidays! 🥃🍻
Love the list as a new bourbon collector/avid drinker. What are your thoughts on Redwood Empire, 13th Colony, & Frey Ranch? All 3 are on my radar.
All three great choices to have on your radar. Each uniquely different from the legacy distilleries we’re all used to, and each doing craft whiskey in their own way. We find that Frey Ranch highlights the grain so it can be polarizing. For them, we stick to picks from trusted palates. Redwood Empire and 13th Colony are more approachable and our favorite products from both are their barrel picks.
Always enjoy your videos though I haven’t commented much lately. I agree with all your selections. JTS Brown is stupid good for the price. Rare Breed is great and cheaper here, $47 at the store I frequent the most and they give me a 10% law enforcement discount on everything. Drinking KC store pick as I am watching and ECBP is my most frequent choice to drink. Josh and I seem to have identical palates, so I always trust anything he likes. Cheers, belated Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Good to see you in the comments Mike! Cheers, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
I have not tried JTS Brown, but I do see it available. Early Times - not readily available where I am but I did get two during 2023. WT101 - check. Rare Breed, heck yeah. Nothing to add to what you guys said about it (Erin's library description made me think of Professor Digory). Completely agree about OGD 114 - that's good mixer bourbon, Rare Breed is meant to be neat. KC9 SB is available everywhere I go at $60 - $70. This stuff is top-notch...a 9 year single barrel at 120 proof at that price - how do you go wrong? Great video (especially because I have all but one!). As far as high value goes, WTRB and KC9SB are tops. The proof point, the age, the price, the availability, the aromas, the flavors. It's all there with those two.
BTW - Magic 8-Ball says you guys are going over 50K subscribers in 2024.
i have never seen your first 2 choices so no comment there. I have a bottle of the ECBP unopened but I like their small batch so my guess is that I will enjoy it. I tend to like Old Forester products better than WT so I would go with their 100 proof over the WT101. It is actually a little less and I find to be better. I would also gladly pay the extra $8 and get OF1910 over the Rare Breed. I might have to revisit the WT products though because a lot of people love them but I found them to be just OK as far as value.
The hype around ECBP C923 has been insane. I usually have an opportunity to buy each release and can find each of them the last few years, but this one has been particularly elusive. Still see a lot of EC B523 and Larceny C923 out there. Was in a few stores recently that had stacks of each, but the Elijah C923 is absolutely nowhere to be found. I ask at every store I go in….bums me out if ppl are just buying multiples to try & resell.
Nice list. I've had all of them except the 1st one. In the last 2 or 3 years, Larceny BP has been every bit as amazing as ECBP to my palate. I would put KC9 on my list. I cant get a 750ml at Costco for $20 most days. Eagle Rare is a great buy at $34. I understand it a difficult find in some markets. Rare Breed is my comparison whiskey - if I am spending more than $50, my question to myself is Does it stand up to Rare Breed. Observation: they usually do not.
John J. Bowman is one of the only bottles that comes to mind that could topple Rare Breed for value. We were lucky living near northern VA and could regulary find John J. for $50.
5:43 You're right - budgets differ. I can only rarely afford something as expensive as Rare Breed, but the 101 is within easy reach, and it's very good. 🙂
6:57 I've only had one bottle of OGD 114, and it was very good. For a year or so it wasn't available here, but now it's back on the shelf. I didn't run into any of the problems y'all had with your last couple of bottles, so maybe it'd be worth y'all trying it again. And of course the OGD bonded is good too, and affordable.
7:35 I've had one of those so far - a store pick that's fantastic. I'd've grabbed another bottle today, but at $56 it's about $26 more than I could spend. Maybe soon... 🥃
I agree with you, Robert, that OGD Bonded is a great value.
There are a couple other value bourbons in that price range that come to mind, too. They're not real common but can sometimes be found in larger liquor stores: J.W. Dant (at 100 proof, also bonded, and ~$15) and Fighting Cock (at 103 proof and ~$20). At those prices, if you can find them, they're worth a try.
If you might like to try a value rye I would recommend Wild Turkey 101 Rye (at $25/750, $29/L which = $22/750). (Here, too, you might have to look a bit to find it.)
@@BeThr_Best_Served_Neat_On_Ice I nearly picked up a 101 rye the other day, but since my purpose was to get something I know I like, I grabbed myself by the hair and dragged myself away. It's definitely on my wish list, though. 🙂
I would add Coopers Craft 100, Makers Mark Cask Strength, 1792 Full Proof, and Benchmark Full Proof
If you're new to bourbon, this video is all you need to know. Save this video and revisit it quarterly. Your wallet will thank you. Oh, maybe add Pursuit United for good measure.
We appreciate you watching! Cheers!
I'll take Very Old Barton (100 proof if you can find it) at the bottom price but the rest is a great list.
My favorite budget bourbon is EW1783
I was all ready to argue with this list, but I can't. Ain't nothing wrong with any of those plus the alternatives you offered.
Eagle rare is very good for the money, also very good with agave syrup... and Woodford...
JTS Brown 100 proof yes.. but there is the low proof 80 JTS that is watery. just FYI proof maters.
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel are great also. Those C923 are hard to find. I was lucky to find one but have not seen any more since. I'm down to 2 maybe 3 more pours, 1 more sitting if I'm sharing. 😢😢
I like the new lighting it is getting there. Also did I hear your opening theme music playing softly the whole time or am I just hearing things?
Good ear! It’s always back there but we keep the level pretty low so as not to interfere. We’ve been dialing everything in though including the levels on the background music.
I got a rare breed NCF I traded for and wow. Some of the best turkey I've had besides the dusties.
Good Show Mates! Can you list your equipment in the Listing above please. Good video and sound quality Thank you.
Thanks! We just use a super simple dual Fuji X-T3 setup with Viltrox 13mm and Fuji 23mm lenses and a Deity V3 mic.
JTS Bib for the win! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays friends!!
Merry Christmas brother!
Rare Breed is my go to - amazing bourbon
My high value bourbons:
Bardstown Origin BIB: amazing balanced Wheater that instantly cured my FOMO for Weller 107.
Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof TW: People underrate this $60 bottle but it’s always available where I live and I really think it can match up with many allocated barrel proof products.
Rare Breed is also 🔥
I got a JD single barrel and was not impressed. Super incredible sweet at first sip then exploded into burning heat. With water it turned into a good JD, but nothing extraordinary. Do I need to try another bottle?
@@ericmalmstrom9943 it does have heat as most are between 125-130 proof and the single barrels can vary so it’s ultimately up to your preference. Their are enough people that are high on that bottle in the community to warrant it another opportunity especially after the bottle gets a little time to breathe I found that helped tremendously even after I poured a glass. The store picks are also excellent.
Being that I am just getting into bourbon whiskey, or all spirits for that matter, from the craft beer segment (I used to do craft beer tastings on YT), Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a really good based on the price point. I am also a Knob Creek fan but the 120 proof Single Barrel is a bit too alcohol forward for me but, it might be only because I am a beginner. I really dig the Knob Creek Small Batch. The rest I either haven't seen or just can't get in central lower Michigan. I will try the Evan Williams Bottled in Bonded & Wild Turney 101 that you mentioned. Those are two that I can get but have not tried.
It’s worth noting that the Knob Creek Single Barrels will vary a fair bit from barrel to barrel with some being more alcohol-forward than others for sure.
Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut Unfiltered store picks are a very good value at around $50ish. Not in all markets though.
Rebel 100 is my current value pick (~$30)…it’s as close to Weller 107 as you can get these days
Do you have a listing of some of your favorite ECBP’s from the past few years? Never had one and have been looking for C923 after the rave reviews. I’ve seen 4 previous batches on random shelves in the past couple months and haven’t picked any up in hopes I stumble across C923 but my hope for that is starting to dwindle
I suspect the C923 is as Josh implied in this video ... either the middle man suppliers are distributing them to make the most money from them or they are being sold off to secondary resellers (which is illegal but who's gonna police it?). My advice is if you can still find an A123, buy that ... its actually excellent and a fine representation of what ECBP is all about.
Top tier batches for our palates over the last few years are C923, C920, and B520. All dark, rich, spiced, and sweet. A123, C922, and B522 are all very good batches as well (A123 is a great balance of dark fruit sweetness and funk, C922 is char heavy, and B522 is a big easygoing for an ECBP but a great pour for a sweet tooth that loves classic bourbon sweetness). Unmentioned batches are still good but nothing to write home about in our book.
Evan Williams 1783, WT 101, OGD 114, Benchmark Full Proof, 1792
I’d add KC 12 year. It’s 70-75 here. That’s good value for a 12 year bourbon.
Elijah craig toasted is delicious
WHISKEY CHEERS 🍻
KC 12yr is a better pour than than that EC. BP same age and about $20 cheaper if you can find it close to MSRP
We do prefer ECBP but KC12 is very solid for sure for anyone that prefers the profile or 100 proof to the barrel proof bottlings of Elijah Craig.
In my mind you just can't beat Jack Daniels cask strength. Here in Tennessee it's around $70 with our 9.55% sales tax and worth every penny!
Great video, here is what I think coming from the Chicago area market. I haven't tried JTS Brown yet, I see it sometimes on the shelf, but not always, but I like the Evan Williams Bottle in Bond and would be curious how you think those two compare being the same parent distillery. Are they they same? Is one better? I'm honestly not a huge fan of the Early Times Bottled in Bond that we have, and would rather drink the 1792 Barton's Small Batch which is sitting at our Woodman's in multiple cases for $22.99 a bottle, and has been "on sale" at that price since Summer. Another value bourbon, which seems to be much more available now is Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7 year. No longer allocated, and is sitting on the shelves here at Costco and Binny's for $42.99. Of course, good old Buffalo Trace is always a winner for value, but it still sells out in a few days following drops, and the BEST value bourbon in my opinion is still Eagle Rare at $40, but it sells out the day the get it everywhere here in the Chicago area. It's not that hard to get at retail price if you are in the know. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Cheers!!!
If you taste the jts brown and Evan Williams bottled in bond side by side you would definitely taste a difference. both are great values
Great comment and question! We find Evan Williams BiB to be a bit more dry and nutty compared to the more caramel sweet profile of JTS Brown, but really it’s a preference thing.
Live in Illinois and WT101, Rare Breed are the only bourbons I can find.
Some would say those are all the bourbons you need. Not us, but plenty of folks do get by on just those.
I agree with all your choices. Do you let her talk also?
Never. 😂 Thanks for watching!
Both of your voices are so pleasant. it would be awesome to drop some acid with you guys and have y’all read Dr. Seuss books to me!
😂😂 sounds like a party!
The first two products on your list aren’t available in my state, then you show my least favorite ~100 proof bourbon and my least favorite barrel proof bourbon. At least it finished strong with two of my favorites. Love Knob Creek 120 and Elijah Craig BP!!
Yeah KC single barrel is a sleeper
J.w Dant < j.t.s Brown 😅
WT and OF Ryes are steals as well.
Josh is Rare breed in a bottle!
The highest of compliments! Thanks Terrance and we appreciate you watching!
Costco has ECBarrel proof for 65$